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The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Red Flag Warning for the Hudson Valley, including Columbia, Greene, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, and Ulster counties. The warning, which is in effect from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., is due to concerns about the potential spread of wildfires caused by low humidity and high winds.
The NWS issues a Red Flag Warning to indicate the imminent danger of severe fire weather with a high probability of occurrence. The warning is typically issued when fire danger is in the very high to extreme category. According to NWS meteorologist Bill Goodman who spoke with lohud.com, the threat of wildfires grows with windy conditions, low humidity, and the presence of 'dry fuels' like pine needles and dry grass that can lead to the rapid growth and spread of any wildfire.
The region has seen one of the longest streaks of dry weather in Lower Hudson Valley history, with only 0.07 inches of rain since October 7.
Residents are advised to avoid any outdoor burning and to properly extinguish items like cigarettes or fireplace embers. A wildfire in Greenwood Lake continues to burn, having already scorched thousands of acres.